18 Global Premieres For Detroit Auto Show

Organizers for the North American International Auto Show in Detroit have announced that January's show will play host to eighteen brand-new global premieres. That's quite a haul for any show, and while organizers won't go into specifics, we do have an idea of some of the vehicles expected to appear in Detroit.

Among them will be the 2015 Hyundai Genesis announced earlier today. The Genesis will showcase a new styling direction for Hyundai that looks altogether more Germanic, with strong hints of Audi yet enough unique touches to differentiate itself from Teutonic rivals.

Also at Detroit will be BMW's M3 sedan and M4 coupe. The current V-8 has departed, replaced by a turbocharged inline six with more power and better economy. The car's weight has also dropped compared to the previous M3, and a six-speed manual gearbox will be standard. Also expected to debut in Detroit is the 2-Series, replacing the old 1-Series Coupe.

German rival Mercedes is expected to debut its new C-Class at the show. With styling inspired by the larger S-Class, a new lightweight body and a host of other improvements, the new C-Class will be one of 2014's most important new cars.

Continuing the German theme, rumors abound that Volkswagen will preview a new Phaeton at the show. The original car was an exercise in pushing the boundaries of the VW brand, and while sales were never strong the car was respected for its thorough engineering. The new car will certainly have to work harder than its forebear--this one needs to sell for the concept to continue.

Moving a little closer to home, one of Detroit's most anticipated debuts is the new 2015 Ford Mustang. While the car itself will be revealed before the show, it'll be the first opportunity for most to get closer to the latest generation of Ford's iconic pony car.